The Real Berlin! Does the German Capital Really Look as Good as on Instagram?

Here's our latest reality check: Does Berlin really look as picturesque as on all the Instagram photos? We checked out three of the most photographed tourist spots: the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral and Alexanderplatz.
What do you think? Is the German capital as beautiful as it looks on Instagram?
CREDITS:
Report: Andreas Kirchhoff
Camera: Holm Weber
❤ Thanks to IGers for their photos:
/ silviopelegrin
/ pdesy3375
/ tbuberlin
/ lujzafromspace
/ mattdepledge
/ pixsbypixel
/ steffen_knorke
/ mischaheuer
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[@TheFv47]

I would like to congratulate DW for finally realizing that using subtitles is better than voice over recording. Thanks

[@bakerkawesa]

I normally consider voice-overs Philistine. But I just watched a well-dubbed TV show and it wasn't half bad.

[@dekev7503]

No its not

[@gabrieljean-batiste2006]

No, it's not. A few years ago they did a survey on which viewers preferred and voice-overs won resoundingly.

[@TheFv47]

@@gabrieljean-batiste2006 those are non english speakers in that poll

[@noellewest4347]

I agree! I just noticed this because you wrote it, but I agree that it makes the video much better:)

[@shokoCookie1]

So what I've learned today is that when the weather isn't that good my pictures can turn out quite grey. Thank you so much!

[@IsaacNYC212]

Just turn them black & white. "Problem" solved.

[@Blauboad]

Berlin isn't really a beautiful city compared to other European capitals, however it is one of the most interesting, with fascinating subcultures.

[@eric336]

Really! I have been to beautiful European capitals like Paris and Barcelona, but Berlin takes the top spot for me. It just feels authentic, and also very multicultural.

[@reichtangleanschluss509]

Berlin used to be beautiful city, but that was before WW2.

[@itswhatitis277]

The vast majority of mid to large german cities are very ugly due to their anhiliation during the war. If you want to visit Berlin, read a good amount of its history before if you want to appreciate it fully and not leave disappointed after having seen Paris or Rome. If you want idylic German landscapes, stick to small towns that weren't destroyed. And for the real German superstar and world-class city, go to Hamburg. And also avoid Munich - go to Strassburg for the timbered houses or Vienna for imperial grandeur.

[@HippasosofMetapontum]

most capitals fall off if you compare them to other cities in the countries - Nice > Paris, Valencia > Madrid, Salzburg > Vienna, Plovdiv > Sofia, Dresden > Berlin :)

[@HippasosofMetapontum]

@@itswhatitis277 Hamburg is not a world class city xD ok maybe if you want to count homeless people and drug dealers

[@moritzh1099]

As a Person living in Berlin, I always recommend tourists going into the quarters outside of Mitte. Like Kreuzberg/ Neukölln Landwehrkanal or Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain. If people want to see, why Berlin seems to be the coolest city on earth. Alexanderplatz for me is just another tourist spot combined with young people, who do not know where the cool places in berlin are :)

[@sadrequiem]

I had the pleasure of visiting Berlin on 2019. It became my favorite European city. It is such a cool city, without seeming pretentious. It has a lot of cool, interesting and meaningful places. I can't wait to visit again in the future.

[@Hamburg08]

Most Germans hate Berlin

[@alexevo8016]

Me too!

[@gabrielket4673]

@Jurio bin auch berliner und es kommt auf die äshtetik an auf die man steht. bin charlottenburger, mit 16 innen technoclub montag dann mit meinen freunden sofort zur schule, dieses dreckige, unperfekte, es gibt keine einheitliche altstadt, sondern alles ist durch mischt. du siehst posche russinen am kudam mit ihren sugar daddys und schönleinstrasse siehste 3 junkies crack rauchen. eine stadt der kontraste. hatte sehr viel spass in berlin auf zu wachsen und versteh auch weswegen man diese als schönste europas betiteln würde. sie ist die schönste auf grund ihrer hässlichkeit und einzigartigkeit.

[@maru3906]

Same, i was so surprised by how much i liked it. Just the vibe of the city and it IS beautiful.

[@alexcheremisin3596]

Id say it is pretentious though. Not rich pretentious like the center of Paris, but woke pretentious. Putting it mildly, its full of people who appreciate modern "art" just because it supports the current thing.

[@kristinemmrich1723]

Love the fact that you are choosing to use ENG subtitles rathe than dubbing.

[@joaofabio5927]

I find Berlin quite "oppressive", because its grey sky, heavy traffic of people and cars, and the humor of the Berliners isn't exactly welcoming, but Berlin still worth to visit, specially because of its magnficent museums!

[@rigo125]

Germany is a fascinating country with including incredible scenic beauty, generous people, diverse Culture and multiple medieval architecture as well.💗

[@abraxas1983]

„generous people“ me thinking about my schwäbische friends. 😂

[@JohnDoe-gf7ct]

You are delusional 😂

[@rigo125]

@@JohnDoe-gf7ct lemme know why would u even think that?

[@MR-dp9vx]

I just came back to US from a trip to Berlin and I absolutely loved the city! ❤❤❤

[@ImranSahir1]

There's St. Mary's Church at Alexanderplatz. And Rotes Rathaus on walking distance. Both are historical places. :)

[@thekejofglory]

I was in Berlin last June. Having a picture along Brandenburg Gate was really a challenge because there was a stage in front of it. I also had difficulty taking a picture because people were not accommodating when I asked if I could take a picture behind it so I looked kinda weird taking a selfie. There was also always something happening in front of the Reichstag building so I wasn't able to take pictures near the building. In many parts of Berlin, I had to angle some of my shots so that no post-war building would ruin the picture. But overall, I really loved Berlin. It was very adventurous and exciting, quite rebellious, and lovingly different. The days I spent in Berlin were very fun. I hope to come back to Berlin.

[@DWTravel]

You're right, in front of the Brandenburg Gate are sometimes Demonstrations or Music Events!

[@livmarlin4259]

This was a beautiful city until it was destroyed in World War 2.

[@tsunsol]

Yes, Berlin looks like Instagram pictures in sommer. It is a beautiful city, great in any season.

[@RodrigoMera]

Gritty Alexanderplatz, that's the word.

[@SHVMGRX]

For most Instagrammable locations, go to Hermannplatz, Leopoldplatz and Kottbuser Tor.

[@TC-lk2ev]

lmao

[@Tabula_Rasa1]

This can apply everywhere. Sunset/sunrise picture will always make any landmark look so much better. Overcast, cloudy, construction and people can make a landmark look meh. Timing is everything for beautiful photography. You can add gears & technique just as important as the timing too. I thought this was obvious already.

[@Bellasie1]

I personally think the TV tower is beautiful.

[@vhlong287]

Berlin gives off dark energy vibes

[@pragueexpat5106]

Thank you for the honesty.

[@alexzambrano8441]

German language sounds so amazing!!!!!

[@henrytudor8537]

Berlin seems like a let down compared to the test of Germany in terms of beauty and architecture

[@DWTravel]

Beauty comes from within.. 😉

[@Madness66]

One of the dirtiest cities in Germany, never again.

[@bozhanamusliyska6474]

I've been there before Instagram, in 2007 with my "now husband" for an intern in the summer and we had great time. At that time was the World Cup as well and how Germans say - it was "Mega". We have great memories and one of the best summers eves.

[@AliVolksbank]

Germany changed a lot since then because of our heartwarming welcome culture. Stabbings, homicides and other crimes are on a daily basis now.

[@wolves8802]

I mean Berlin doesn't even look nice on instagram 😂

[@onedirectionniall8381]

So true

[@elgranpichiricky]

True

[@wolves8802]

@@starlinguk I love Berlin I love going clubbing there with friends and I'd probably also live there cause it's such a modern, international and open city but it isn't beautiful that must be said. There are more beautiful german cities for sure

[@it_zrupi7008]

Amazing city ❤️.. Berlin ❤️✨

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

I enjoy this. My German family is Brandenburg on Grandma's side. Really interesting and also my family history. Thank you.

[@MarkAnderson-ng8vc]

William Gladstone said of the horrifically oppressive Kingdom of Naples, "it's the negation of God erected as a form of government." One could say of postwar Berlin architecture that it's the negation of beauty as an artistic style. It's like everyone got together and said, "let's make sure we build nothing that would outshine downtown Detroit." Alexanderplatz looks almost as impressive as the shopping mall outside of the run-down midwestern suburb I grew up in. How does one make a neighbourhood look worse than right after it was bombed?

[@LokiBeckonswow]

Berlin has the most raging and unhealthy drug culture I've ever seen - on one side it's a really incredible city because it feels like such a free place - mostly people will let you do whatever you want as long as it doesn't negatively affect others - on the other side however, the drug abuse is terrifying - I wish it wasn't so normalised, hard dergs are treated like candy, which can be so damaging so easily - this is a complicated city though, the history is incredible, the winters are loonnnnggggg and greeeyyyy and ddaarrkkkkkk - it's an incredible place, harsh, but incredible

[@MarkAnderson-ng8vc]

The New York of Europe I guess.

[@cubachris3812]

One the streetworker stating one should be open when visiting Alexander … Great way to describe crime and pickpocketing. Keep your pockets closed.

[@elgranpichiricky]

It is true, Berlin is more of a fun and interesting city than it is a good looker

[@moffkristianpleb7329]

Hotel Adlon dont forget was where Micheal Jackson hung blanket out the window. Also 9 euro for the Berlin Catheral is well worth it great view of the city from the top, alot cheaper then the Radio Tower..

[@nuucha]

I have booked a weekend city-break at Berlin at the end of April - this video helps me to understand the place better

[@DWTravel]

Thanks!

[@JustMe-pb9ep]

in Germany we call it "versifftes Drecksloch!"

[@dashgq7782]

I live now in Switzerland but i still want to keep going back to Berlin. When I'm there i feel like i can be whoever i want to be and be myself at the same time. It's so addicting, i make sure i go back every other 2 months or so 😂

[@SanTM]

I was there last year, great city, so much different than anywhere else. Bars open all night, food available for us drunks and lovely people

[@janetallnutt5767]

I photographed Berlin with a decent DSLR rather than with my phone, which can really help in any type of weather conditions.

[@maxmustermann611]

I have never had the desire to go to Berlin 😂😂 I'm coming from the border region of germany-france and it takes me about 5-5½ hours to Paris and 7 hours to Berlin ... You can guess where I would rather go...

[@DWTravel]

Berlin? 😉

[@MarkAnderson-ng8vc]

Belgium?

[@maxmustermann611]

@@DWTravel Of course 😂

[@joseph40ninjas88]

Check them all out this Spring

[@tanja6233]

Happy New Year DW TRAVEL.. Instagram highlights the photos so naturally they look grander .. Actually visiting and enjoying the sights are most beneficial..I speak for myself as I'm from Berlin Germany.. Fantastic upload thank you

[@DWTravel]

Thanks and stay tuned!

[@tanja6233]

@@DWTravel Happy Saturday.. Thank you I look forward to all uploads

[@tejahuthoff4120]

Ja ja when it rains pictures can turn quite grey. A remarkable piece of journalism you have produced here DW.

[@alexpaul8749]

Come on, people. Just don't act like you know what Berlin is. I arrived in Berlin yesterday for a three-day visit. I was simply fed up. In 24 hours, I returned to my hometown of Hannover. People simply appear cheap in their clothing and behavior. We should not forget that they appear open and friendly. What exactly is the city? They appear to be repairing the entire city. People are littering, peeing, and talking as loudly as they can. No kne is purchasing a ticket. It's just not the city I was expecting. Food: Berlin is a foodie's paradise. You'll find something to eat every 20 meters. People are mobile, but food is not.

[@eduardoromerovaquero3191]

I would of thought that the most visited city in Germany would be Munich, which seems far more spectacular and touristic than the capital. I guess Berlin is fine, although obviously very different from the great city it was before the war. BTW why didn't you mention/ visit the new Humboldt Museum or the Bundestag?

[@t-bone9239]

I mean Berlin has a lot more history than Munich and is one of the party capitals of Europe so its only logical that it gets more tourists

[@DenzelPF31]

Munich is beautiful but Berlin has so much more to offer. If you want to see beauty there are endless numbers of great cities in Europe. But Berlin and its very recent history is just spectacular. And the city is so diverse!

[@punishedgloyperstormtroope8098]

@@t-bone9239yeah but most of Berlins history was destroyed in 1945 They even demolished the Führerbunker That would be soo cool to visit if they didn’t blow it up. However I think the bunker structure deep underground survives it’s just damaged and buried under concrete. Hopefully when a less woke regime rules Germany it can be dug up and converted to a history museum and tourist attraction

[@punishedgloyperstormtroope8098]

@@DenzelPF31diversity isn’t a good thing it means Berlin is less German I go to Germany to see Germans If I want to see others I’ll go to another country

[@Msalazar6sicVI]

Like any major city, it has it's beautiful areas and areas you should completely avoid. Like Kreuzberg and Neukölln😁

[@eliseumds]

Let's agree to disagree. Those two are the best neighbourhoods in the city, by far. The rest is just standard touristy boredom.

[@bunchofnumbers935]

Kreuzberg is arguably one of the most interesting, diverse and exciting districts Berlin and Germany in generell has to offer.

[@Msalazar6sicVI]

@@bunchofnumbers935 When I lived in Germany in 2008-2009 it was definitely known for being ghetto af.

[@Exgrmbl]

@@bunchofnumbers935 yeah it sure is "diverse" and "exciting"

[@matthewhendricks1891]

@@Msalazar6sicVI It has changed so much since then. Yes Neuköln is still a bit rough, but Kreuzberg is one of coolest districts in Berlin.

[@kauaiboy5o]

Been there done that, walked all around the city center area in a day and a half, and for the casual tourist that should be enough. For the rest of this huge city, its where people live and work and conduct their daily activities.

[@jansojele289]

Absolutly not, there are a lot of beautiful neighborhoods outside Mitte

[@jansojele289]

@@ironyhokum7625 exactly

[@bunchofnumbers935]

I would definitely disagree with that. The highly multicultural and alternative districts outside of the city center (mitte) such as Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg are exactly what makes Berlin special. This entire subcultural thing is what Berlin is all about and famous for.

[@kauaiboy5o]

@@bunchofnumbers935 Agree, but for the first time tourist with limited time, the city center is the place. If I were younger and had a week or more, I would love to explore more of Berlin. In reality, the tourist have seen more of the city than the locals because most locals' world is usually is within a limited redius of their homes and work, and have never been to or in the tourist sights in the city center. Locals take those thing for granted because they live there.

[@UnderTheSummerSun]

Berlin is by far my favorite city in Germany ❤

[@warrior7020]

Berlin is fascinating and German are precise.

[@lucindayu2541]

The last English words are just sparkling as you want to hear from it.😊

[@BiohazardBinkie777]

The sub culture in berlin is what drew me to it.

[@Windwond]

Berlin is the new center of the universe. It’s fantastic in so many ways.

[@MarkAnderson-ng8vc]

Berlin? It's smaller now than it was 100 years ago. It's never been a less relevant city.

[@punishedgloyperstormtroope8098]

Berlin was beautiful before 1945 It has been destroyed by modern architecture At least Dresden old city was reconstructed well Berlin wasn’t. They should rebuild the neues Reich Kanzleri

[@Joey-ct8bm]

Been there 3 times including one new years. Great city!

[@luexSos]

Berlin ❤

[@djhago3123]

I went in the winter it was baltic

[@naouarsghuri7030]

One the most beautiful city in the word is Berlin 💕💕💕💕💕

[@GeorgeSchenker]

Lived there for 2 years. I had a great time. But I need it to move from Berlin because of housing situation.

[@ellenithernandez9195]

It does!❤️

[@Dragonheng]

Good to now when you have some Camra options.

[@matthewhendricks1891]

I thought this was going to be a video about the real Berlin. hahaha. This is coming from some who live in Berlin XD

[@rollsolow]

Didn’t realize it ever looked good on Instagram 😂

[@itsmev0]

I visited Berlin one week ago for the first time and I can confirm that it does not look like on Instagram... it looks so much better! :)

[@markusschmidt7513]

Alexanderplatz may not be classically beautiful, but it is worth remembering that there is probably no more iconic socialist-planned city centre on the planet than the area around the Berlin TV tower.

[@MarkAnderson-ng8vc]

'iconic planned socialist architecture' lol. Like saying an 'iconic piece of Italian engineering.'

[@SSRL7]

Photos can look great or not. Depends on who takes it and uses what equipment/ post processing software. Not everyone can produce good results. But if they do, it doesn't mean it's fake. Lol

[@mln7771]

Alexander Platz is definitely an assault to the senses, very confusing, especially when you first disembark from your train and you are trying to get your bearings. I did feel very lost. Kind people are always around to assist you if you are looking for an address. lol. Very Berlin. Gritty, young, vibrant. Not pretty but real.

[@briank.6482]

I lived in Berlin for 6 years and it is a super cool city. Very much subculture driven and has a heavy socialist vibe. Berlin has a ton of history and I love going back to visit friends and hit the clubs. :-)

[@danielcaceres9971]

All of that construction work does not help either

[@sunrae3971]

People who say the Alexanderplatz has nothing do offer are the once who pay 50€ to visit a Fake Castles, please just visit Disney land (or the Berliner Schloss 🤣) . Rotes Rathaus, historic center with little allieys, or the Berolinahaus from Behrens (famous Architect) looks "Zeitlos" for its time it was built. its architecture wise something do notice. The World Clock or the Massive Mosaic on the "Haus des Lehrers" are things to visit too.

[@loveistheway7]

I am coming to Berlin Next week with my girl friend.Where can i get an affordable place to stay with kitchen bedroom and washing machine.Has to be near Hohenzollerndamm s-bahn

[@lesgibson969]

5:01

[@baconpancakes8899]

I knew Berlin looked like a dumpster fire with all it's grafitti before coming to Berlin for the first time so I was not dissapointed but impressed that it was cleaner than Paris. Milan and Paris are the dirtiest.

[@DOGLEONE187]

One of my favorite citys❤️Berlin lebt❤️

[@flopeep3546]

looking this while I'm at the tram on Alexanderplatz.

[@yallahyallah4220]

The area between Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island and between the Charité and the Topography of terror is not Berlin, it's the Government-district, an alien at the centre of Berlin.

[@throwbackclassics8363]

I think nobody after 1945 thought Berlin is Beautiful

[@balduinocarcamo2021]

It looks better than Instagram

[@ghosthdel3098]

I got scammed in my 1st visit in Berlin barandeburg Gate when a roma woman came pretending she is deaf, i gave her 2Euros but she wanted E10 i told her to go away but i am still 2Euros down! Be careful out there!

[@nicolettarope6030]

❤Berlin❤

[@finmonster5827]

is that rewboss?

[@valentin6824]

As a German, I have to say that Berlin is not a really good looking city... The governance Departement looks good, but the rest is just bad looking. There are much more beautiful cities in Germany such as Hamburg OR Munich

[@travelkingdom8987]

Yes true . Also as a non German , I think Frankfurt isn’t that pretty also . Only Munich and Neuschwanstein castle pretty , and Dresden and some other villages with castles are pretty

[@Speedy636Germany]

What, 9 Euros just to get in? Yeah, I gotta give it a miss, not for me thanks!

[@AliLayth1989]

one day i will

[@Dave1507]

Nothing looks as "good" as on instagram. There are no filters on reality.

[@attackfastace]

honestly, besides the history n structures, no it doesnt

[@MrJafar]

Beautiful Berlin

[@GKP999]

I love the Berlin gay scene!

[@noellewest4347]

The simple answer is no. Berlin is not beautiful. There are much more beautiful cities in Germany than Berlin. But it is an amazing city. It's difficult to really explain Berlin's appeal. I've been there numerous times, as I live in Germany, but I can't imagine ever wanting to live there.

[@morphineod8785]

And yeah - Instagram photos don't translate well the smell of piss, vomit, weed and unwashed bodies that frequents Warschauer Strasse, Ostkreuz, Oberbaum Brucke, Kottbusser Tor, Gorlitzer Park, Alexanderplatz, the majority of Kreuzberg and Neukoln and the subway that goes through these locations.

[@shriramkumar702]

This is not the reality in Jan 2023. I would agree to this 2-3 years back. The Alexander platz is under construction since the corona period and it looks like a mess. The Berliner Dome is also in construction partially as you can see in the video itself. It has been the case for several months now. This definitely distorts the picturesque view. Only the Brandenburg gate is insta perfect. But sometimes it can be hidden behind massive stages as a venue for political or entertainment activities.

[@suevialania]

💚❤️🇵🇹👍🏻 Berlim, wunderbar!🇩🇪

[@ilyianz]

It doesn't look as nice as many other European cities. This is probably because of the destruction during the World War. Also, we visited when it was raining and was gloomy.

[@DWTravel]

You should visit again! 🌞

[@MarkAnderson-ng8vc]

Try Munich or Vienna instead.

[@ilyianz]

@@MarkAnderson-ng8vc Munich is on the list. Been to Vienna many times...very nice and very clean. 😊

[@travelkingdom8987]

@@MarkAnderson-ng8vcyup Vienna have lots of beautiful architectures ..

[@commercialfree]

As someone who is living in Germany right now, I can say that Berlin is a wonderful city but it has a lot of tourist trap. The Brandenburg Tür is just a gate. It's great for picture taking though. Alexa is just a plaza. If you like to shop or eat then it's a great place.

[@atlocar]

Who doesn't know the Brandenburg Tür and the Turm Fernseher? Echt Berlinerisch, wa?

[@DWTravel]

Brandenburger Tür ❤

[@devshreebhardwaj3096]

I live in berlin and no the landmarks are not as magnificent as shown on Instagram. Pity, Berlin is not as glam or architecture marvel as London, Paris, Rome, Athens, etc. Tourists don’t visit Berlin for its landmarks or natural landscapes, but rather its underground party scene and eclectic vibes.

[@gygispavo]

If only Berlin Zoo had Ape with a weird mustache.....

[@Sylvia44now]

I've travelled the world and yes, Berlin is one ugly city. This, of course, is understandable, because it was razed to the ground after the Germans started two world wars. The worst thing about Berlin however is not that it is ugly, but the fact that the locals are some of the rudest, most brutal and unfriendly people that I have ever come across.

[@joaofabio5927]

I had the same feeling about the locals. Although, the mueseums are very nice, specially Pergamon.

[@nadirkhan7353]

Germany did not start the first world war

[@AliVolksbank]

You should go to history class again concerning the World Wars and their origins. But I agree with you on the rest of the points.

[@felipethum]

answer: no.

[@jyotiprakashpanda4717]

As a Berliner if you want to see the real Berlin visit Ostkreuz or Warschauer Stamraße

[@tarigismail1888]

I don't really care that much about what you saying the only thing that I know is ''I LOVE BERLIN'' I just can't get over it.

Prague is just better..

[@onedirectionniall8381]

Much better

[@abhishek5931]

No go zones also existed in german cities😂🤣🤣

[@dschaydschee]

Berlin is interesting. Hasn't been a beautiful city since 1945 though.

[@daydreamer9774]

Oh nein

[@lapernice6978]

No sights on the Alexanderplatz? Are u kidding?